Tulare County Biographies
CLINTON T. BROWN
Transcribed by Beverly Green
This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm
Clinton T. Brown was born in Watertown, New York, February 7, 1850. His father,
William A. Brown, made school-teaching the occupation of his life, first
following the profession in Watertown; and upon his arrival in California, in
1855, he started one of the first schools of the country at Campbell Crossing,
on the King's river. In 1857 he brought his family to this State, settled at
Visalia, and there remained until 1861, when he enlisted in the Federal army as
a musician. They were stationed at Fort Yuma, and later moved on to Texas.
Clinton T. received a limited education at Plano, and at the age of fourteen
years began to do for himself, working for his board with the privilege of
attending school. He thus managed to secure a finishing course at the University
of the Pacific, San Jose. In 1865 he was engaged by A. P. Wilcox as vaquero, and
although only fifteen years of age was a bold and fearless rider, taking wild
horses and bringing them into perfect subjection, and making long rides over
mountains and plains, frequently covering seventy-five miles per day. In 1869 he
engaged in the sheep business, taking a band of 5,000 on shares, and thus
securing a start in the business, which he continued very successfully up to the
dry year of 1877. At that time he had 4,500 sheep and 1,200 acres of land, upon
which he owed some money. The dry year was a great disaster to the country, and
Mr. Brown had the misfortune to lose his sheep, lands, and all his possessions
except two horses and a heavy wagon. He still persevered, however, meeting with
many discouragements up to 1880, when he again entered the sheep business, and
prosperity has attended his efforts. He has again acquired land, and this
writing he owns 2,300 acres in Frazier valley, mainly grazing land. On this
ranch he continues his sheep business, and also raises some horses and cattle.
Mr. Brown was married in Plano, Tulare County, California, in 1874, to Miss Ruby
A. Gibbons, daughter of Demming Gibbons, who settled in Plano in 1861. Their
union has been blessed with three children, - Ruby Anthony, Vida Bertha and Jay
Gibbons.
Mr. Brown lived on his ranch until 1890, when he moved to Plano in order that
his children might have the benefit of good school facilities. He has built a
nice a cottage for his family to occupy, while he continues his ranch interests
in the mountains. He is a member of Portersville Lodge, No. 199, A. O. U. W.
SOURCE: Memorial and Biographical History of the Counties of Fresno, Tulare and
Kern, California Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1892, Page 689, 690